2 Jefferson City Council members keep their seats in re-election

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KMIZ)

The economy and public safety are two of the issues candidates are emphasizing in four contested Jefferson City Council races.

Laura Ward, Jefferson City's current Ward 2 council member, managed to win her council member seat again against Edith Vogel.

Ward said her focus is on economic development, affordable housing and having police and firefighters be able to respond when needed. Ward said she'll continue to emphasize community development with her reelection.

"My campaign worked really really hard the last 2 and a half months and you know we got out there in the community and I think we're all just really excited to move forward,", said Ward

In the Ward 3 council race, Mary Schantz and Scott Spencer each say public safety issues factored largely in their campaigns. Scott Spencer took the victory in becoming the new Ward 3 city council member.

“I’m very supportive of the pay increases for firefighters and police as well as the communication equipment that they need and the body cameras so I don’t think there’s any difference there, but I see Jefferson City in a very positive and progressive way," Schantz said Tuesday.

Derrick Spicer, Leonard Steinman II and Ryan Estes were each seeking the Ward 4 seat. Spicer was endorsed by the Jefferson City Fire Department, and ultimately won the seat for Ward 4 City Council Member.

Newcomer Alicia Edwards took on incumbent Mark Scheiber in Ward 5. Scheiber reclaimed his seat after voters re-elected him.

Edwards said she was content with whatever the outcome was, as she's proud of her campaign and the time spent connecting with the community.

The winners say they are looking forward to making positive impacts on the city and making the overall quality of life for residents better.